After staying for almost 7 days in Eastern Samar, Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas has reported that the situation in Eastern Samar has already stabilized after Typhoon Ruby ravaged the area last weekend.

“Kumbaga sa pasyente, tapos na ang emergency room at ICU (Intensive Care Unit) period, at nandun na tayo sa regular room (If compared to a patient, the emergency room and ICU period have passed, and we are now in the regular room),” said Roxas in a National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) press briefing held this morning.

As head of the National Government Frontline Team, Roxas was tasked by President Aquino to assist local government units (LGUs) in their rescue and relief operations.

In his report, Roxas confirmed nine (9) Ruby-related deaths in the province: one from the municipality of Jipapad, two from Dolores, two from Sulat, and four from Borongan City; and four persons were reported missing: one from Oras and three from Borongan.

He added that Eastern Samar is no longer isolated as the main supply routes have been opened, including the airport and seaports in Borongan airport. With no reports of looting, the supply and prices of fuel and other goods are stable.

Cellular communication is also now operational and relief goods are being distributed to all evacuation centers systematically.

“The situation in Masbate has also stabilized,” Roxas added.

Because of this progress, the government has begun transitioning from emergency response to relief operations, and is set to undertake early recovery efforts.